A Blog about losing your job, finding a new one, and everything that happens in between.

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That stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is especially hectic so this is the first chance I’ve had to write a new blog in weeks! With the New Year comes renewed hope that our lives will improve and that employers will start hiring again!

Floridians have a particularly tough road ahead with the real estate market gasping for breath, politicians politicking, and too many still out of work. This is why I didn’t wait around for a hand out. In this economy you have to be bold and it’s my intention to keep up the push for more work in the coming year even though I’ve landed a full time job.

In a recent survey conducted by the Tampa Bay Times & Bay News 9, more than ½ of us in the Bay Area expect our economic situation to stay about the same. Last month they called 508 Bay Area residents to ask them how they felt about their economic prospects and the general feeling I came away with after reading the article: we’re nervous.

I was nervous too when I was unemployed at the and of last year but I felt like I had nothing to lose by marketing myself and making as much noise as I could about being unemployed. Ironically, I had everything to lose; house, car, rental, savings, etc. I guess when you think losing everything is an option you’re motivated to do everything you can to keep it! Today I am rebuilding: my career, my savings account, and working hard!

The poll also gave residents a number of what they called “remedies” to the situation and the most popular fox was spending tax dollars and financial incentives to bring more jobs to the Bay Area. Chances are these won’t be the same jobs you may have worked in the past so it’s crucial to market yourself as someone who can get ANY job done. Focus on the positive and your strengths.

Governor Scott campaigned for months on the slogan, “Let’s Get Back to Work!” And he promised those jobs would come soon. I didn’t have the luxury to wait to see if his plan worked or what it might mean. Like most Floridians I needed work NOW. I’ve never been the type that relied on someone else for much of anything. In part, I got lucky, but it wasn’t without putting myself “out there,” in the right places in and in front of the right people.

I’m reminded of that Will Smith movie, “Happyness,” and I was inspired that when he desperately needed to make money he sought out someone who WAS making money and DID what that guy did. Be relentless.

If you were put out of work in 2011 you have the chance to start a new job with a clean slate. It’s a great opportunity! And in this economy “opportunity” is what you’re looking for rather than simply a “job.” Employers are always conservative when predicting hiring needs but experts are optimistic that they WILL be doing more hiring in the coming year. And I can say that I’m seeing more and more people that were on the sidelines with me get hired too so stay positive!

I recommend reading my past Blog entries and here are a couple articles that should help you as you continue or start your job search in 2012:

It is with excitement and awe that I tell you that I’ve accepted an offer from Clear Channel Radio to work here in Tampa at 970 WFLA AM every weekday morning on “AM Tampa Bay” from 5am until 9am. With the state of radio on shaky ground, I can tell you News/Talk radio is the perfect place for me to start the next phase of my broadcasting career. I will be sitting third chair to two men whose broadcasting careers are the stuff of legend in this business!

Jack Harris has been dominating the Tampa Bay airwaves for decades. Jack has worked the mic for The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The Tampa Bay Storm, The Outback Bowl, and WLFA for years. At one point Jack’s career took him to Washington D.C. where he worked along side Willard Scott! He’s an American Vet and a really smart man! I plan to have a dictionary handy when Jack throws out the big words. 😉

Tedd Webb bleeds everything that Tampa Bay is. Born and raised in Cigar City, Tedd has been worked as a DJ, Sportscaster, and Talk Show Host during his decades in radio and even worked along side the legendary Scott Shannon and Cleveland Wheeler at the famous “Q Morning Zoo.” Tedd is a quick wit, a survivor and a fighter, in the nicest sense of the word.

Both Jack and Tedd are award-winning broadcasters and I expect to learn a lot, and laugh a lot, working with them. Our chemistry seems effortless and I have so much respect for the men they are and the work they do at WFLA. In addition to Jack and Tedd, I’ll be working with Producer Ethan Youker and Program Director Steve Versnick. This is a dream team, as far as I’m concerned!

So what am I doing there? Little known fact: I have a degree in Broadcast Journalism and I bring more than 15 years broadcast experience to the table from TV & Radio News Rooms and broadcast studios – the last 9 years of which I’ve spent in Tampa. “AM Tampa Bay” is committed to the issues the residents of Tampa Bay face on a daily basis and will continue to bring you the information you need to make informed decisions in your community and in your life. Your concerns, your family, and your health and happiness are issues we want to talk about.

I’m humbled by the support I’ve received from so many on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIN and I want you to know how much I appreciate it!!! I hope you’ll join us weekday mornings on 970 WFLA AM from 5am until 9am. Here are the numbers to call us LIVE:

As a side note, I wanted to let those of you that still need the inspiration and resources I’ve shared in my weekly Blog that I will continue to write for you! TheUPsidetoUnemployment lives on until you don’t need it anymore!
Keep the Faith and tune in tomorrow morning for my first day on “AM Tampa Bay” on 970 WFLA AM!!!